Further reading:

Get a Benefits application form

Benefits calculator

Weblinks:

Information for landlords and agents leaflets

DWP - Department for Work and Pensions (formerly DSS)

The Rent Service

The Pension Service

Citizens Advice Bureau

E-mail:

Benefits@thanet.gov.uk

Phone:

from 9am to 5.30pm.  If your family name begins:

A-Don call (01843) 577554

Doo-Ker call
(01843) 577555

Kes-Ric call
(01843) 577556

Rid-Z call (01843) 577551

Fax: 01843 577532

or Visit our offices

Council Tax Benefit

This information is only a general guide, and is not a full and authoritative statement of the law. Contact us for more information.

What is Council Tax Benefit?

Council Tax Benefit is help towards council tax for people on low income. It is paid by Thanet District Council.

Who can claim Council Tax Benefit?

Anyone who has to pay council tax on their home can claim.

Remember, you do not have to be out of work to claim.

Who can’t claim Council Tax Benefit?

You can’t claim Council Tax Benefit if you:

• are not the householder, or the person liable to pay council tax
• have more than £16,000 in capital (unless you receive guaranteed pension credit)
• are excluded from receiving public funds, due to your status in the UK
• are a full-time student

Will I get all my council tax paid?

You may get up to 100% reduction in your council tax depending on your income, personal circumstances and the Council Tax Band of your property.

Your benefit may be reduced if you have a non-dependant living with you.

Second Adult Rebate

If you have another adult living in your home on a low income (but not a partner or paying lodger), you may get help even if you do not qualify for main Council Tax Benefit. This could be up to 25% of your Council Tax bill.

Who can claim Second Adult Rebate?

Only the person liable to pay council tax can claim.

Can I get both Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate?

No – but you may apply for both and we will work out which benefit is the greater and give it to you.

How can I claim Council Tax Benefit or Second Adult Rebate?

By filling in  Thanet District Council’s Council Tax Benefit application form online  or you can get one by visiting your local Council office or by contacting us.

It is very important that your application form is handed in as soon as possible – if you delay you may lose benefit.

Do you need anything else with my application form?

Yes. You must provide:

• Proof of identity for you and your partner
• National Insurance number for you and your partner
• Proof of all household income
• Proof of all capital for you and your partner
• You must provide original documents – we can’t accept copies.

Can my claim be backdated?

It may be possible to backdate your Council Tax Benefit for up to 52 weeks, if you can provide proof of an earlier claim, or you can show continuous good cause for not applying earlier. If you want to request backdating you must do it in writing.

If I am overpaid benefit, will I have to pay it back?

You may be asked to repay an overpayment where it is your fault, or where you could have known that you were being overpaid benefit (see Benefit overpayments).

Unhappy with the final decision?

If you would like more information about how your benefit is worked out, you must write to the Benefits Service asking for full details.

If you are unhappy with how we have worked out your benefit, you have the right to appeal.  You should do this in writing, within one month of receiving notification of your benefit entitlement (see Reviews and Appeals).